Lawyer Petitions NDLEA Over Alleged Assault, Unlawful Phone Seizure, and Fundamental Rights Violations During Kaduna Highway Stop‑and‑Search

A petition has been lodged against officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, alleging assault, intimidation, and unlawful seizure of property during a stop‑and‑search operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

The petition, dated 15 July 2026, was filed on behalf of Mr. Mustapha Rilwan, Esq., by his solicitors — Muhammad Aliyu Ammani, Esq., Isiyaku Ahmed Danlawan, Esq., Mahmud Sani Kaura, Esq., and Mus’ab Muhammad Sani, Esq. — and addressed to the State Commander of the NDLEA.

According to the petition, the incident occurred on 9 July 2026 at about 11:00 a.m., Mr. Rilwan, when Mr. Rilwan, was travelling in a commercial vehicle when NDLEA officers attached to Patrol Team A intercepted the vehicle at the toll gate for what was described as a routine search operation. During the search, Mr. Rilwan politely enquired about the prolonged delay. In response, one of the officers allegedly assaulted him — slapping him, pushing him to the ground, and subjecting him to physical violence in full view of colleagues, passengers, and members of the public.

The officers also allegedly seized his mobile phone without lawful authority, depriving him of its use during the incident. Though the phone was later returned, the seizure was described as an unlawful interference with property and an abuse of office. The assault left Mr. Rilwan with bodily injuries, torn clothing, humiliation, and psychological trauma.

The petition further notes that officers at the scene were heard calling the names “Jega” and “Isma’il,” though the identity of the assailant remains uncertain. Consequently, the petition is directed against all officers of Patrol Team A on duty at the material time, pending investigation.

To aggravate matters, and further intimidate Our Client, the unidentified officer who assaulted him brazenly challenged him to “do whatever he feels like,” a statement plainly intended to convey that the officers considered themselves beyond accountability and above the law.

The petition asserts that the conduct of the officers amounted to assault, battery, intimidation, unlawful seizure of property, abuse of office, and gross violations of fundamental rights, particularly the right to dignity of the human person under Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It emphasizes that such conduct falls far below the standards of discipline, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law expected of NDLEA officers.

The solicitors demand:
● An immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the conduct of Patrol Team A officers.
● Identification and disciplinary sanctions against all culpable officers.
● Disclosure of the outcome of the investigation within seven days.

The petition warns that failure to act will compel the client to institute fundamental rights enforcement proceedings and claims for compensatory, aggravated, and exemplary damages.

The petition concludes by stressing that the incident undermines public confidence in the NDLEA and demonstrates a disturbing disregard for accountability. It calls on the Command to act decisively to show that no officer is above the law.

… Lawyer Petitions NDLEA Over Alleged Assault, Unlawful Phone Seizure, and Fundamental Rights Violations During Kaduna Highway Stop‑and‑Search … Naijaonpoint.